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Volume 6, Issue 1 – January/February 2007
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WELCOMECarla’s Year of Possibilities Welcome to another edition of the Communiqué. 2007 is here and the New Year brings with it many real estate opportunities. The “season” for tourists and snowbirds is upon us. This year the real estate climate is different than last year and many possibilities for the market abound. There are more affordable properties and a greater selection of beach homes, golf villas, and luxury condominiums than ever before. Many people make a New Year’s Resolution to change something in their life, so why not change your living or vacationing arrangements. Consider buying a larger home, a vacation property, or even a rental condominium in 2007 as rates are very good at this time. Now is a great time to buy! Buying activity in the market is picking up the pace, but right now many sellers are still willing to make great deals. Our seasoned professionals are here to assist you with all of your needs, whether you are looking for a new home or a vacation property. ------ Attention Seasonal Visitors
Receive up to 15% discount if booked before February 15th, 2007. Call now! ------
Dear Carla, If you have enough income of your own to qualify for the loan, you may be able to overcome your husband’s bad credit. In that case, only your credit would be considered in assessing the application, but only your name would appear on the mortgage. Many lenders will allow a spouse who is not a co-borrower to be a co-owner, provided their name is added to the mortgage. You could also consider adding your husband’s name to the deed after the loan is closed. Many mortgages, however, have a provision that allows the lender to demand repayment of the loan if the names on the deed are changed without the lender’s permission. Most lenders will not exercise this right, so long as the loan remains current. If you default, this provision allows the lender to foreclose. If you need your husband’s income to qualify for the loan, consider taking action to improve the situation. Secure a recent credit report and contact the credit-reporting agency to correct any obvious errors. If possible, have your husband pay off all outstanding credit card balances. Also, write letters of explanation about late payments, as slow payments for unexpected medical expenses are considered differently than consistently late credit card payments for consumer items. Make sure to shop for understanding and flexible lenders. Some lenders are more sympathetic to late payments, especially if they are for an understandable reason. Be aware that greater sympathy is usually matched by higher interest rates. Mortgage attorneys have the knowledge and experience to determine what is important to each situation and, although they are not mortgage brokers who charge a fee, they usually have direct access to mortgage lenders. You may want to start by contacting a mortgage attorney to gain a better understanding of your situation and rights. ------ Make a New Year’s Resolution to Keep Good Records By: Demian Kruchten, Attorney at Law On a personal level, tax returns should be kept indefinitely, as they are your paper trail to income and expenditures. Any Supporting documents, such as receipts, canceled checks, and credit card statements should be retained for six years. The IRS is allowed to go back three years from the filing date to audit your records and in some cases can audit up to six years after filing –if income is suspected as underreported by 25 percent or more. When it comes to a corporation or limited liability company, you must keep a good account of all proceedings and business transactions. You need to keep some records for a minimum of three to five years, although I advise retaining them permanently. Make sure to retain:
Remember, if you have any further questions about what to keep for your records, it is best to seek the professional advice of a tax accountant or attorney. Hope your New Year is healthy and profitable. Kruchten Law Firm ------ 2007 Naples
Once again, the festival will have many luxurious offerings up for auction including: a brand new Rolls Royce convertible, lunch with Martha Stewart and a trip on her private jet, and a lot entitled, “Hollywood and Wine” -including an offering of Colgin Cellars 2002 Tychson Hill Cabernet Sauvignon and a walk-on role on the popular television show Grey’s Anatomy. The three-day festival features vintner dinners where well-known vintners will uncork exquisite wines and the nation’s finest chefs will transform fresh ingredients into mouth-watering cuisine. Emeril Lagasse and Wolfgang Puck are among the exceptional chefs who will prepare the culinary masterpieces this year. The charity event generates funds for underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County. Thus far, it has raised nearly $40 million for The Naples Children and Education Foundation (NCEF) which distributes the funds to local children’s aid organizations. For more information about the festival visit www.napleswinefestival.com or call the festival office at (239) 514-2239. ------ The History of Mardi Gras Mardi Gras came to New Orleans through its French heritage in 1699. Early explorers celebrated the French Holiday on the banks of the Mississippi River. Since its beginning in Louisiana, the celebration has expanded with the establishment of parades and balls and has become an exciting holiday for both children and adults. Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" and is celebrated on that day of the week. Depending on the lunar calendar used by the Catholic Church, the date can fall between February 3 and March 9. The celebration is always 47 days before Easter Sunday. Some of the other the cities most famous for their Mardi Gras celebrations include: Rio de Janeiro, Venice, Bahia, and Mazatlán. No matter where you celebrate Mardi Gras remember to think about its origin and history. AND have fun! ------ |
Expect an Uplifting Trend in Real Estate
It is true that 2006 was a tough year for many sellers with home sales and home prices nationwide down from 2005. Forecasters around the country expect the pace of existing-home sales to rise in the first quarter of 2007 and the price of homes to increase by the second quarter of this year. They predict that by this time next year, sales will be five percent higher and home prices will be two percent higher. Watch for the media to begin reporting positive trends by late spring, thus strengthening the confidence of potential buyers who have been waiting to enter the market. Many smarter buyers will not wait until the news spreads and they instead will get a jump start on the herd of impending buyers and make purchases soon. Source : Article by Lawrence Yun, Senior Forecast Economist ------ Escape to the Peacefulness and Lushness of Guatemala!
The development consists of two high-quality communities; The San Felipe Marina at Amatique Bay and The Jaguar Golf and Country Club. It offers single family homes, villas, and condominiums, ranging in size from 1,250 square feet to over 5,800 square feet. Eight model homes have been completed and are available for viewing. They are the Virrey, Marquez, Conde, Obispo, Duquesa, Conquistador, Capitan, and the Cardenal. Prices for the residences range from $175,000 to over $1,000,000.
----- Art Exhibition & Reception for well-known artist Klaus Strubel
In honor of his extraordinary works and to mark the opening of the exhibition, Carla Bonten Realty Inc. will host an artist reception at 7:30pm on Wednesday January 24. Spanish Wells owners and tenants are invited to the exclusive party which includes one-of-a-kind artwork, delectable hors d'ouvres, flavorful wine, and great conversation.
The masterfully created pieces will be available for viewing at our office in Spanish Wells, 9am to 5pm, Mondays-Fridays.
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At The Phil Pops’ Greatest Hits, February 20-25, is a spirited program bringing together classical favorites such as Flight of the Bumblebee and Blue Danube Waltz with all-time popular songs such as Strike up the Band. Michael Krajewski, principal conductor of the Houston Symphony leads the concert. For more information call 239-597-1900 or visit us online at www.thephil.org At The Barbara B. Mann Naples Dinner Theatre CLASSIC CHAMBER CONCERTS, INC. Everglades Seafood Festival Art in the Park ----- |
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Carla Bonten Rentals has beautiful condominiums available for seasonal rentals. These wonderful condominiums are located on the Beach and on Golf Courses. You choose which suits your lifestyle best. 
Would you like to step out of your seasonal rental and be directly on one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, stroll along the water and do some shelling or would you rather be near your favorite sport of golf? Carla Bonten Rentals has the perfect seasonal/vacation condominium for you.
A lot of New Year’s Resolutions are made on January 1 but not many are kept past January 31. 2007 is a good year to resolve to keep good records! Maintaining accurate records is vital to operating a profitable business and keeping track of personal expenses. I am often asked what type of records should be retained and for how long they should be kept. As a real estate and banking attorney I do not advise on these issues usually, but here are some simple rules of thumb to use when organizing your records.
World-renowned vintners and chefs will take center stage at the 7th Annual Naples Winter Wine Festival. The world’s top charity wine event is slated for January 26-28 in Naples. 
Mardi Gras will be celebrated on February 20, 2007 this year. Whether you know the history of the event or not you probably know it’s a time of celebration and party.
If you have been waiting on the sidelines to buy a home until the real estate market “bottoms”, you may not want to wait much longer. Many analysts say the worst is over and that the market has fallen to its lowest level. In fact, they say it is now beginning an “uplifting trend.” 
Tranquility and luxury abound at a new resort development being built in Guatemala and being sold exclusively by Carla Bonten Realty. Construction is well underway at The Mayan Jungle Resort Marina and Golf Communities on the East Coast of Guatemala. 
The San Felipe Marina Community is a Venetian themed town featuring a world class full service marina and numerous canals. It offers 150 wet slips for yachts up to 150 feet and dry storage for boats up to 40 feet. It also has a Spa and Wellness Center, Fitness Center, Church, Business Center, Community Center, 24-hour Clinic, and Five Star Hotel. The Jaguar Community and Golf Club sits in a forest overlooking the marina town. This community features an 18-hole world class golf course. It is complemented by the Mayan themed Jaguar Golf Club, offering a restaurant, clubhouse, pro shop and store, formal dining room, cocktail lounge, tennis, squash and racquetball courts, and much more.
Carla Bonten Realty Inc. is once again hosting a superb art exhibition featuring the works of well known artist Klaus Strubel. The pieces will be on display at our Spanish Wells Office January 24-February 28.
Originally from Lampertheim, Germany, Strubel now calls Florida his home. He is known for realism, painting landscapes, seascapes, and other views of nature with breathtaking detail.
The reception is free, but reservations are required. To make yours, call 949-9122 by January 22nd.
Carla Bonten Realty Inc. will donate a portion of any sales during the exhibit to the local Ronald McDonald House through Carla Bonten’s annual fundraising efforts called For the Love of Art. 
Violin Magic, February 1-4,features one of the mosttalked about young violinists, Jennifer Frautschi. The recent recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant makes her Philharmonic debut performing a violin concerto. For more information call 239-597-1900 or visit us online at 
Enjoy the magic of Disney’s The Lion King, January 18-February 25. Fort Myers’ most eagerly awaited production leaps on to the stage and includes unforgettable scores such as, Can You Feel the Love Tonight and Circle of Life, and breathtaking spectacle of animals brought o life. For more information call 239-481-4849 or
visit us online at 
Clarinet Collaborations
Enjoy fresh stone crab, grouper, shrimp and much more at the 34th Annual Everglades Seafood Festival, February 2-4. The celebration also includes arts and crafts, live music, and carnival rides in downtown Everglades City. For more information, call 695-4100 or visit us online at 